Clarion firms express interest in Ag Department relocations

From staff reports

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced Monday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has received 136 expressions of interest from parties in 35 states interested in becoming the new homes of the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Two entities in Clarion County have expressed interest in hosting the two agencies. They are Miles Brothers LLC and Clarion Trinity Development Co.

The USDA intends to select the new location or locations by January and will retain a consultant with expertise in relocations.

The entities expressing interest in hosting the agencies include educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, state development agencies, county development agencies, municipalities and for-profit entities.

USDA is undertaking the relocations for a variety of reasons, according to a press release. The move will place important USDA resources closer to many stakeholders, most of whom live and work far from the Washington, D.C. area.

Additionally, taxpayers will realize significant savings on employment costs and rent, which will allow more employees to be retained in the long run, even in the face of tightening budgets, the press release said.

Finally, the plan will improve USDA’s ability to attract and retain highly qualified staff with training and interests in agriculture, many of whom come from land-grant universities, the press release said.

From staff reports

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